North Matewan is a small town located on the banks of the beautiful Big Coal River and is known for its historic charm, natural beauty and coal mining heritage that can be explored through the restored buildings in the town. From the 1970s and 1980s, Matewan has become a popular destination for those looking for a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of city life. There are plenty of things to see and do and the town is home to a range of lovely parks, galleries, museums, cafés and pubs.
1. North Matewan Parks and Places for a Walk on a First Date
If you’re looking for somewhere to take your date for a romantic stroll then North Matewan has a number of beautiful parks and woodland walks to choose from. The Hawk’s Nest State Park is a popular spot and has multiple walking trails, plenty of wildlife and stunning views of the Big Coal River. Other parks and trails include Tomlinson Run State Park, Mate River Trail, Chief Logan State Park, and Beury Mountain Trail. For more of a challenge, take your date to the Memorial Trail, a 5-mile trek up Beury Mountain that offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
2. Places for a Coffee Date in North Matewan
If you want to keep things casual and simple on your first date then why not try a coffee date? North Matewan has plenty of cozy cafés and coffee shops for you to choose from. The West Virginia Railroad Museum Café serves up delicious coffee and cakes in a unique atmosphere and makes for a great spot for a quiet first date. For something a bit livelier, check out the Cumberland District Coffee and Crafts, located in the town square, or the Riverside Café and Coffee House, which has a live music night every Friday evening.
3. North Matewan Galleries, Museums and Exhibitions to Visit on a Date
Take your date on a cultural stroll around North Matewan’s galleries and museums, including the Matewan Historical Museum and the Gallery of West Virginia Art. Explore the region’s coal mining history at the Coal River Mining Museum, where you can see a range of artefacts, photographs and documents. For something a bit quirkier, take your date to the 9/11 Memorial Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.
4. Live Music and Entertainment to Invite Your Date to in North Matewan
Live music is a great way to break the ice on a first date, and North Matewan has plenty of music venues to choose from. The Riverside Café and Coffee House has a live music night every Friday evening and is a great spot for a casual evening of music and drinks. The Log Cabin Inn has live music most weekends and is a great spot for a beer and a boogie. If you’re looking for something a bit more high-energy, then why not try The Underground, a lively bar and music venue located in the heart of town.
5. North Matewan Pubs, Bars or Restaurants for a First Date Drink or Food
For a romantic evening out on the town, North Matewan has a range of pubs, bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. Take your date to the historic Log Cabin Inn, which has a cozy atmosphere and an extensive menu of classic Americana dishes. For something a bit more casual, The Forge Café serves up delicious wood-fired pizzas with locally-sourced ingredients, while The Taproom has an extensive range of craft beers, wines and cocktails to enjoy.
6. Other Date Ideas to Try in North Matewan
If you’re looking for something a bit different, then why not try some of North Matewan’s other activities? Spend an evening star gazing together at the Woodrow Wilson Observatory, or take a romantic river cruise along the Big Coal River. Visit the Wildlife Center of West Virginia, where you can learn about the local wildlife and enjoy a guided tour. Or, if you’re feeling brave, why not try a ghost tour of historic Matewan, during which you’ll learn about the town’s spooky history.
